U.S. patent application number 17/322431 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for image forming system capable of predicting consumed amount of consumable, prediction data output method.
The applicant listed for this patent is KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.. Invention is credited to Koji Eto, Yasuyoshi Kobayashi, Tadashi Miyazaki, Akizo Otani, Tomoyoshi Sugihara.
Application Number | 20210373458 17/322431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005626719 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210373458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobayashi; Yasuyoshi ; et
al. |
December 2, 2021 |
IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM CAPABLE OF PREDICTING CONSUMED AMOUNT OF
CONSUMABLE, PREDICTION DATA OUTPUT METHOD
Abstract
An image forming system includes a recording processing portion,
an acquirement processing portion, and an output processing
portion. The recording processing portion records a consumed amount
of a consumable consumed by an image forming apparatus per
predetermined unit time. The acquirement processing portion
acquires prediction data that indicates a predicted consumed amount
of the consumable per the unit time for a time period from a
predetermined standard time, based on a comparison result between:
a first record result corresponding to a first time period
extending to a reference time; and a second record result
corresponding to a predetermined second time period extending to
the standard time, among a record result recorded by the recording
processing portion, the reference time being a predetermined
specific time period earlier than the standard time. The output
processing portion outputs the prediction data acquired by the
acquirement processing portion.
Inventors: |
Kobayashi; Yasuyoshi;
(Osaka, JP) ; Sugihara; Tomoyoshi; (Osaka, JP)
; Miyazaki; Tadashi; (Osaka, JP) ; Eto; Koji;
(Osaka, JP) ; Otani; Akizo; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc. |
Osaka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005626719 |
Appl. No.: |
17/322431 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/556 20130101;
G03G 15/0856 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/08 20060101
G03G015/08; G03G 15/00 20060101 G03G015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 26, 2020 |
JP |
2020-091253 |
Claims
1. An image forming system comprising: a recording processing
portion configured to record a consumed amount of a consumable
consumed by an image forming apparatus per predetermined unit time;
an acquirement processing portion configured to acquire prediction
data that indicates a predicted consumed amount of the consumable
per the unit time for a time period from a predetermined standard
time, based on a comparison result between a first record result
and a second record result among a record result recorded by the
recording processing portion, the first record result corresponding
to a first time period extending to a reference time, the second
record result corresponding to a predetermined second time period
extending to the standard time, the reference time being a
predetermined specific time period earlier than the standard time;
and an output processing portion configured to output the
prediction data acquired by the acquirement processing portion.
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first
time period has a same length of time as the second time period,
and when the acquirement processing portion determines, based on a
predetermined determination condition, that the first record result
and the second record result are similar to each other, the
acquirement processing portion acquires, as the prediction data,
data representing a record result that corresponds to a time period
extending from the reference time, from the record result recorded
by the recording processing portion.
3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein when the
acquirement processing portion determines, based on the
determination condition, that the first record result and the
second record result are dissimilar to each other, the acquirement
processing portion acquires, as the prediction data, data
representing a record result that corresponds to a time period
extending from an end of a specific similar time period that is
closest to the reference time among similar time periods that
correspond to record results that are determined as similar to the
second record result based on the determination condition included
in a recording time period of the recording processing portion.
4. The image forming system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a restriction processing portion configured to restrict
the acquirement processing portion from acquiring the prediction
data based on: a predicted consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for a time period from the standard time to a current
time indicated by the prediction data output from the output
processing portion; and the consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for the time period from the standard time to the
current time recorded by the recording processing portion.
5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the
recording processing portion records the consumed amount of the
consumable consumed by the image forming apparatus per the unit
time by storing, in a predetermined first storage portion, log data
corresponding to each print job executed by the image forming
apparatus, the log data including: an execution date/time of each
print job; and a consumed amount of the consumable consumed in each
print job.
6. The image forming system according to claim 5, further
comprising: an occupation information acquiring portion configured
to acquire occupation information that indicates an occupation of
each user, wherein the log data includes the occupation information
corresponding to each user who has input an instruction to execute
a print job, and the acquirement processing portion acquires the
prediction data by combining first prediction data and second
prediction data, wherein the first prediction data is acquired
based on first log data that includes occupation information
indicating a predetermined specific occupation among the log data
stored in the first storage portion, and the second prediction data
is acquired based on second log data that is different from the
first log data among the log data stored in the first storage
portion.
7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further
comprising: an authentication processing portion configured to
authenticate a user, wherein the occupation information acquiring
portion acquires the occupation information from a second storage
portion that preliminarily stores user information of each user who
is authenticated by the authentication processing portion.
8. The image forming system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a notification processing portion configured to notify
a shortage timing that is a timing at which a remaining amount of
the consumable that is identified based on the prediction data and
a remaining amount of the consumable at the standard time, becomes
equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold.
9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the unit
time is one day, and the specific time period is an integral
multiple of one week, one month, or one year.
10. A prediction data output method, comprising: recording a
consumed amount of a consumable consumed by an image forming
apparatus per predetermined unit time; acquiring prediction data
that indicates a predicted consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for a time period from a predetermined standard time,
based on a comparison result between a first record result and a
second record result among a record result of the consumed amount,
the first record result corresponding to a first time period
extending to a reference time, the second record result
corresponding to a predetermined second time period extending to
the standard time, the reference time being a predetermined
specific time period earlier than the standard time; and outputting
the prediction data.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the corresponding Japanese Patent Application No.
2020-091253 filed on May 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system
and a prediction data output method.
[0003] There is known an image forming apparatus that forms an
image using a consumable such as toner. In addition, there is
known, as a related technology, an image forming apparatus that
predicts a consumed amount of a consumable for a time period from
the current time, based on the past record result of daily consumed
amount of the consumable. Specifically, in the image forming
apparatus of the related technology, a daily consumed amount of the
consumable recorded during the past one year included in the past
record result is acquired as a predicted daily consumed amount of
the consumable for a time period from the current time.
SUMMARY
[0004] An image forming system according to an aspect of the
present disclosure includes a recording processing portion, an
acquirement processing portion, and an output processing portion.
The recording processing portion records a consumed amount of a
consumable consumed by an image forming apparatus per predetermined
unit time. The acquirement processing portion acquires prediction
data that indicates a predicted consumed amount of the consumable
per the unit time for a time period from a predetermined standard
time, based on a comparison result between a first record result
and a second record result among a record result recorded by the
recording processing portion, the first record result corresponding
to a first time period extending to a reference time, the second
record result corresponding to a predetermined second time period
extending to the standard time, the reference time being a
predetermined specific time period earlier than the standard time.
The output processing portion outputs the prediction data acquired
by the acquirement processing portion.
[0005] A prediction data output method according to another aspect
of the present disclosure includes: recording a consumed amount of
a consumable consumed by an image forming apparatus per
predetermined unit time; acquiring prediction data that indicates a
predicted consumed amount of the consumable per the unit time for a
time period from a predetermined standard time, based on a
comparison result between a first record result and a second record
result among a record result of the consumed amount, the first
record result corresponding to a first time period extending to a
reference time, the second record result corresponding to a
predetermined second time period extending to the standard time,
the reference time being a predetermined specific time period
earlier than the standard time; and outputting the prediction
data.
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description with reference where appropriate to the
accompanying drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify key
features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject
matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to
implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any
part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
image forming system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a consumed
amount recording process executed in the image forming system
according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a prediction
data output process executed in the image forming system according
to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a record result of
daily consumed amount of a consumable recorded by the image forming
system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the record result
of daily consumed amount of the consumable recorded by the image
forming system according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the record
result of daily consumed amount of the consumable recorded by the
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the record
result of daily consumed amount of the consumable recorded by the
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the record
result of daily consumed amount of the consumable recorded by the
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the record
result of daily consumed amount of the consumable recorded by the
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following describes an embodiment of the present
disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should
be noted that the following embodiment is an example of a specific
embodiment of the present disclosure and should not limit the
technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0017] [Image Forming System 100]
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 according to
the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image forming
apparatus 10 and an information processing apparatus 20. In the
image forming system 100, the image forming apparatus 10 and the
information processing apparatus 20 are communicably connected with
each other via a communication network 30. For example, the
communication network 30 is the Internet or a LAN (Local Area
Network).
[0019] [Image Forming Apparatus 10]
[0020] The image forming apparatus 10 is configured to execute a
print process to form an image consuming a consumable. For example,
the consumable includes toner and a sheet.
[0021] For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a
multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a
scan function to read image data from a document sheet, a print
function to form an image based on image data, a facsimile
function, and a copy function. It is noted that the image forming
apparatus 10 may be a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a
copier.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes
a control portion 11, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 12, an image
reading portion 13, an image forming portion 14, a sheet feed
portion 15, an operation/display portion 16, a communication
portion 17, and a storage portion 18.
[0023] The control portion 11 includes control equipment such as a
CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The CPU 111 is a processor that
executes various calculation processes. The ROM 112 is a
nonvolatile storage device in which various information such as
control programs for causing the CPU 111 to execute various
processes are preliminarily stored. The RAM 113 is a volatile
storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (working
area) for the various processes executed by the CPU 111. In the
control portion 11, the CPU 111 executes the various control
programs preliminarily stored in the ROM 112. This allows the image
forming apparatus 10 to be controlled comprehensively by the
control portion 11. It is noted that the control portion 11 may be
formed as an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit
(ASIC), and may be a control portion provided independently of a
main control portion that comprehensively controls the image
forming apparatus 10.
[0024] The ADF 1 includes a document sheet setting portion, a
plurality of conveyance rollers, a document sheet pressing, and a
document sheet discharge portion and conveys a document sheet so
that it is read by the image reading portion 13.
[0025] The image reading portion 13 includes a document sheet
table, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an optical lens, and
a CCD, and is configured to read an image from a document sheet.
The image reading portion 13 outputs image data corresponding to
the read image.
[0026] The image forming portion 14 forms an image on a sheet by an
electrophotographic method based on image data output from the
image reading portion 13. In addition, the image forming portion 14
forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method based on
image data input from an external communication apparatus or from a
storage device such as a USB memory connected to the image forming
apparatus 10. For example, the image forming portion 14 includes a
plurality of image forming units, a laser scanning unit (LSU), an
intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller, a fixing
device, and a sheet discharge tray, wherein the plurality of image
forming units respectively correspond to colors: cyan, magenta,
yellow, and black. It is noted that the image forming portion 14
may form an image on a sheet by an inkjet method. In this case, the
consumable may include ink.
[0027] The sheet feed portion 15 includes a sheet feed cassette, a
manual feed tray, and a plurality of conveyance rollers, and
supplies sheets one by one to the image forming portion 14. The
image forming portion 14 forms an image on a sheet supplied from
the sheet feed portion 15, based on the image data.
[0028] The operation/display portion 16 includes a display portion
and an operation portion. The display portion is, for example, a
liquid crystal display and displays various types of information in
response to control instructions from the control portion 11. The
operation portion is composed of, for example, operation keys or a
touch panel through which various types of information are input to
the control portion 11 in response to user operations.
[0029] The communication portion 17 is a communication interface
configured to perform wired or wireless data communications with
external communication apparatuses such as the information
processing apparatus 20 connected via the communication network
30.
[0030] The storage portion 18 is a nonvolatile storage device. For
example, the storage portion 18 is a storage device such as: a
nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM; an SSD
(Solid State Drive); or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
[0031] The storage portion 18 stores a plurality of pieces of
authentication information respectively corresponding to users of
the image forming apparatus 10. The authentication information is
used to authenticate the users of the image forming apparatus 10.
For example, each piece of authentication information is composed
of a user name and a password.
[0032] [Information Processing Apparatus 20]
[0033] The information processing apparatus 20 is a server
configured to execute information processing based on data
transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 and output a
processing result.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 20
includes a control portion 21, an operation/display portion 22, a
communication portion 23, a first storage portion 24, and a second
storage portion 25.
[0035] The control portion 21 includes control equipment such as a
CPU 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213. The configurations of the CPU
211, the ROM 212, and the RAM 213 are respectively the same as
those of the CPU 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 of the image
forming apparatus 10. It is noted that the control portion 21 may
be formed as an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit
(ASIC), and may be a control portion provided independently of a
main control portion that comprehensively controls the information
processing apparatus 20.
[0036] The operation/display portion 22 includes a display portion
and an operation portion. The display portion is, for example, a
liquid crystal display and displays various types of information in
response to control instructions from the control portion 21. The
operation portion is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse,
and a touch panel through which various types of information are
input to the control portion 21 in response to user operations.
[0037] As is the case with the communication portion 17, the
communication portion 23 is a communication interface.
[0038] As is the case with the storage portion 18, the first
storage portion 24 is a nonvolatile storage device. The first
storage portion 24 stores log data that is transmitted from the
image forming apparatus 10. The log data includes information
concerning a print job executed by the image forming apparatus 10.
Specifically, the log data includes: an execution date/time of the
print job; a consumed amount of the consumable consumed in the
print job; and occupation information that indicates an occupation
of a user who has input an instruction to execute the print job. It
is noted that the log data may not include the occupation
information.
[0039] As is the case with the storage portion 18, the second
storage portion 25 is a nonvolatile storage device. The second
storage portion 25 preliminarily stores user information of users
who are authenticated by the image forming apparatus 10. For
example, each piece of user information includes a user's name,
address, age, date of birth, and occupation. For example, the
user's occupation includes collage student, company employee,
self-employed, housewife, and unemployed. It is noted that the
first storage portion 24 and the second storage portion 25 may be
storage areas that are individually provided in one storage
device.
[0040] Meanwhile, there is known, as a related technology, an image
forming apparatus that predicts an amount of a consumable for a
time period from the current time, based on the past record of
daily consumed amount of the consumable. Specifically, in the image
forming apparatus of the related technology, a daily consumed
amount of the consumable recorded during the past one year included
in the past record result is acquired as a predicted daily consumed
amount of the consumable for a time period from the current
time.
[0041] However, in a case where there is a yearly event in which a
large amount of the consumable is consumed and the schedule of the
event changes every year, the accuracy of the prediction about the
consumed amount of the consumable lowers in the image forming
apparatus of the related technology.
[0042] For example, one example of the yearly event is a final exam
held by a collage located near the image forming apparatus 10. When
the final exam is held by the collage near the image forming
apparatus 10, students of the collage would use the image forming
apparatus 10 to print or copy materials such as lecture notebooks
for studying for the exam.
[0043] On the other hand, in the image forming system 100 according
to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to
improve the prediction accuracy of the consumed amount of the
consumable as described in the following.
[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control portion 11 of
the image forming apparatus 10 includes an authentication
processing portion 41, an occupation information acquiring portion
42, a recording processing portion 43, and a notification
processing portion 46. The control portion 11 functions as the
authentication processing portion 41, the occupation information
acquiring portion 42, the recording processing portion 43, and the
notification processing portion 46 by executing the control
programs preliminarily stored in the ROM 112 or the storage portion
18.
[0045] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the control portion 21 of
the information processing apparatus 20 includes an acquirement
processing portion 44, an output processing portion 45, and a
restriction processing portion 47. The control portion 21 functions
as the acquirement processing portion 44, the output processing
portion 45, and the restriction processing portion 47 by executing
the control programs preliminarily stored in the ROM 212, the first
storage portion 24, or the second storage portion 25.
[0046] The authentication processing portion 41 authenticates the
user of the image forming apparatus 10.
[0047] Specifically, the authentication processing portion 41
authenticates the user of the image forming apparatus 10 by using
the authentication information stored in the storage portion
18.
[0048] For example, the authentication processing portion 41
displays, in response to a predetermined user operation performed
on the operation/display portion 16, an authentication screen on
the operation/display portion 16, wherein the authentication screen
is used for a predetermined authentication operation. The
authentication processing portion 41 receives the authentication
operation on the authentication screen.
[0049] For example, the authentication operation is an operation to
input the user's name and the password on the operation/display
portion 16. It is noted that the authentication operation may be an
operation to hold an IC card in which the user's name and the
password have been preliminarily registered, over a predetermined
position on the surface of the image forming apparatus 10. In this
case, the authentication processing portion 41 may execute a
predetermined short-range radio communication with the IC card to
acquire, as input information, the information registered in the IC
card from the IC card.
[0050] Thereafter, when the information input by the authentication
operation matches any piece of authentication information stored in
the storage portion 18, the authentication processing portion 41
authenticates the user. That is, the authentication processing
portion 41 allows the user to log in the image forming apparatus
10.
[0051] It is noted that the authentication processing portion 41
executes a log-out process to log out a currently logged-in user
when a predetermined log-out operation has been performed on the
operation/display portion 16, when a predetermined set time has
passed, or when another user needs to be logged in.
[0052] The occupation information acquiring portion 42 acquires the
occupation information that indicates the occupation of the user of
the image forming apparatus 10.
[0053] For example, the occupation information acquiring portion 42
acquires the occupation information from the second storage portion
25 of the information processing apparatus 20 in which the user
information concerning the user who is authenticated by the
authentication processing portion 41, has preliminarily been
stored. It is noted that the user information may be stored in the
IC card. That is, the second storage portion 25 of the present
disclosure may be a storage device in which the user information
included in the IC card is stored. In addition, the occupation
information acquiring portion 42 may display, on the
operation/display portion 16, an occupation input screen that is
used for input of the user's occupation, and acquire, as the
occupation information, information input on the occupation input
screen.
[0054] The recording processing portion 43 records a consumed
amount of the consumable consumed by the image forming apparatus 10
per a predetermined unit time.
[0055] Here, the unit time is one day. It is noted that the unit
time is not limited to one day, but may be, for example, 12 hours
or one week.
[0056] Specifically, the recording processing portion 43 records
the consumed amount of the consumable per the unit time by storing,
in the first storage portion 24 of the information processing
apparatus 20, the log data corresponding to each print job executed
by the image forming apparatus 10.
[0057] For example, when a print job is executed, the recording
processing portion 43 generates log data corresponding to the print
job. Specifically, the recording processing portion 43 acquires a
consumed amount of the consumable consumed by the print job, and
generates log data that includes: the acquired consumed amount of
the consumable; and the occupation information acquired by the
occupation information acquiring portion 42. Subsequently, the
recording processing portion 43 stores the generated log data in
the first storage portion 24 of the information processing
apparatus 20. It is noted that the recording processing portion 43
may acquire the consumed amount of the consumable by a known
method.
[0058] It is noted that the recording processing portion 43 may
record the consumed amount of the consumable per the unit time by
storing, instead of the log data, consumed amount data that
includes: a consumed amount of the consumable consumed in one day;
and a date/time when the consumed amount was acquired, in the first
storage portion 24 of the information processing apparatus 20. For
example, each time a predetermined time comes, the recording
processing portion 43 may acquire a consumed amount of the
consumable consumed in the past 24 hours based on the current
remaining amount of the consumable and a remaining amount of the
consumable 24 hours before. The recording processing portion 43 may
then store the consumed amount data that includes: the acquired
consumed amount of the consumable; and the current date/time, in
the first storage portion 24 of the information processing
apparatus 20.
[0059] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show examples of the consumed amount of
the consumable per the unit time (day) recorded by the recording
processing portion 43. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a consumed amount
of the consumable per the unit time (day) during a time period
including a reference time described below. In addition, FIG. 5
shows a consumed amount of the consumable per the unit time (day)
during a time period extending to a standard time described
below.
[0060] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show other examples of the consumed amount
of the consumable per the unit time (day) recorded by the recording
processing portion 43.
[0061] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show other examples of the consumed amount
of the consumable per the unit time (day) recorded by the recording
processing portion 43.
[0062] The acquirement processing portion 44 acquires prediction
data that indicates a predicted consumed amount of the consumable
per the unit time for a time period from the predetermined standard
time.
[0063] Here, the standard time is the current time. It is noted
that the standard time may be any timing between a timing at which
the consumable was consumed most recently in the image forming
apparatus 10 and the current time.
[0064] Specifically, the acquirement processing portion 44 acquires
the prediction data based on a comparison result between a first
record result X11 (see FIG. 4) and a second record result X12 (see
FIG. 5) among the record result recorded by the recording
processing portion 43, wherein the first record result X11
corresponds to a first time period (see FIG. 4) extending to the
reference time, and the second record result X12 corresponds to a
predetermined second time period (see FIG. 5) extending to the
standard time, wherein the reference time is a predetermined
specific time period earlier than the standard time.
[0065] Here, the specific time period is one year. It is noted that
the specific time period may be one week or one month. In addition,
the specific time period may be an integral multiple of one week,
one month, or one year. In addition, the specific time period may
be a length of time that is different from any of the
above-described time periods.
[0066] In addition, the second time period has a length of five
days extending from five days before the standard time to the
standard time (see FIG. 5). It is noted that the second time period
may have an arbitrary length of time extending to the standard
time.
[0067] In addition, the first time period has the same length of
time as the second time period. It is noted that the first time
period may have a different length from the second time period.
[0068] For example, the acquirement processing portion 44
determines, based on a predetermined determination condition,
whether or not the first record result X11 (see FIG. 4) and the
second record result X12 (see FIG. 5) are similar to each
other.
[0069] For example, the determination condition is that each day in
the second time period satisfies a condition that a result of
dividing the consumed amount of the consumable in a day in the
second time period, by the consumed amount of the consumable in a
day that is the specific time period earlier than the day in the
second time period, is within a predetermined numerical range. In
other words, the determination condition is that each day in the
second time period satisfies a condition that the change rate of
the consumed amount of the consumable between a day in the second
time period and a day that is the specific time period earlier than
the day in the second time period, is equal to or lower than a
predetermined value. For example, the numerical range is from 0.8
to 1.2.
[0070] It is noted that the determination condition may be that,
for each term included in a numerical expression that represents an
approximate line of the second record result X12, a difference
between a coefficient of a term in the numerical expression and a
coefficient of a corresponding term in a numerical expression that
represents an approximate line of the first record result X11, is
equal to or lower than an allowable value that is determined in
advance in correspondence with the term. In addition, the
determination condition may be an arbitrary condition for
determining whether or not the first record result X11 is similar
to the second record result X12.
[0071] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show examples of the first record result
X11 and the second record result X12 that are determined as similar
to each other by the acquirement processing portion 44. In
addition, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show examples of the first record
result X11 and the second record result X12 that are determined as
dissimilar to each other by the acquirement processing portion 44.
In addition, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show examples of the first record
result X11 and the second record result X12 that are determined as
dissimilar to each other by the acquirement processing portion
44.
[0072] Upon determining, based on the determination condition, that
the first record result X11 and the second record result X12 are
similar to each other (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5), the acquirement
processing portion 44 acquires, as the prediction data, data
representing a third record result X13 that corresponds to a third
time period (see FIG. 4) extending from the reference time, from
the record result recorded by the recording processing portion 43.
For example, the third time period is a period of 20 days extending
from the reference time. It is noted that the third time period may
be a period of an arbitrary length extending from the reference
time.
[0073] The dotted line in FIG. 5 indicates a predicted consumed
amount of the consumable per the unit time indicated by the
prediction data corresponding to the third record result X13.
[0074] On the other hand, upon determining, based on the
determination condition, that the first record result X11 and the
second record result X12 are dissimilar to each other (see FIG. 6
to FIG. 9), the acquirement processing portion 44 detects a
specific similar time period (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 8) closest to the
reference time among similar time periods that correspond to record
results that are determined as similar to the second record result
X12 based on the determination condition included in a recording
time period of the recording processing portion 43.
[0075] Subsequently, the acquirement processing portion 44
acquires, as the prediction data, data representing a fourth record
result X14 that corresponds to a fourth time period (see FIG. 6 and
FIG. 8) extending from the end of the detected specific similar
time period. For example, the fourth time period has the same
length as the third time period. It is noted that the fourth time
period may be a period of an arbitrary length extending from the
end of the specific similar time period.
[0076] The dotted line in FIG. 7 indicates a predicted consumed
amount of the consumable per the unit time indicated by the
prediction data corresponding to the fourth record result X14 shown
in FIG. 6.
[0077] The dotted line in FIG. 9 indicates a predicted consumed
amount of the consumable per the unit time indicated by the
prediction data corresponding to the fourth record result X14 shown
in FIG. 8.
[0078] It is noted that, upon determining, based on the
determination condition, that the first record result X11 and the
second record result X12 are dissimilar to each other, the
acquirement processing portion 44 may correct the third record
result X13 based on a difference between the first record result
X11 and the second record result X12, and acquire, as the
prediction data, data representing the corrected third record
result X13. In addition, upon determining, based on the
determination condition, that the first record result X11 and the
second record result X12 do not match each other, the acquirement
processing portion 44 may correct the third record result X13 based
on a difference between the first record result X11 and the second
record result X12, and acquire, as the prediction data, data
representing the corrected third record result X13. In addition, in
a case where the first time period is shorter than the second time
period in the recording time period of the recording processing
portion 43, the acquirement processing portion 44 may compare a
record result for a time period in the second time period that
extends to the end of the second time period and has the same
length as the first time period, with the first record result
X11.
[0079] Here, the acquirement processing portion 44 acquires the
prediction data by combining first prediction data and second
prediction data, wherein the first prediction data is acquired
based on first log data that includes occupation information
indicating a predetermined specific occupation among the log data
stored in the first storage portion 24, and the second prediction
data is acquired based on second log data that is different from
the first log data among the log data stored in the first storage
portion 24. In other words, the acquirement processing portion 44
acquires the prediction data corresponding to users of all
occupations by combining: the first prediction data that is the
prediction data corresponding to users of the specific occupation;
and the second prediction data that is the prediction data
corresponding to users of occupations other than the specific
occupation.
[0080] The specific occupation is an occupation engaged by the
participants of the event. For example, in a case where the event
is the final exam held by a collage located near the image forming
apparatus 10, the specific occupation is collage student. The
specific occupation may be set arbitrarily in accordance with a
user operation.
[0081] When the log data is divided into the first log data and the
second log data, the first log data clearly shows an increasing
tendency of the consumed amount of the consumable before the event.
As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of prediction
about the consumed amount of the consumable in the prediction data
acquired based on the first prediction data.
[0082] It is noted that the acquirement processing portion 44 may
acquire, based on the log data stored in the first storage portion
24, the prediction data corresponding to users of all occupations
without acquiring the first prediction data and the second
prediction data.
[0083] The output processing portion 45 outputs the prediction data
acquired by the acquirement processing portion 44.
[0084] Specifically, the output processing portion 45 transmits the
prediction data to the image forming apparatus 10.
[0085] It is noted that the output processing portion 45 may
transmit the prediction data to a predetermined information
processing apparatus that is different from the image forming
apparatus 10.
[0086] The notification processing portion 46 notifies a shortage
timing, wherein the shortage timing is a timing at which a
remaining amount of the consumable that is identified based on the
prediction data and a remaining amount of the consumable at the
standard time, becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined
threshold.
[0087] It is noted that the control portion 11 of the image forming
apparatus 10 may display, on the operation/display portion 16, the
prediction data transmitted from the information processing
apparatus 20.
[0088] The restriction processing portion 47 restricts the
acquirement processing portion 44 from acquiring the prediction
data based on: a predicted consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for a time period from the standard time to the
current time indicated by the prediction data output from the
output processing portion 45; and the consumed amount of the
consumable per the unit time for the time period from the standard
time to the current time recorded by the recording processing
portion 43.
[0089] Specifically, the restriction processing portion 47
restricts the acquirement processing portion 44 from acquiring the
prediction data while it is determined, based on the determination
condition, that the predicted consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for the time period from the standard time to the
current time indicated by the prediction data; and the consumed
amount of the consumable per the unit time for the time period from
the standard time to the current time recorded by the recording
processing portion 43, are similar to each other.
[0090] It is noted that the control portion 11 may not include the
authentication processing portion 41, the occupation information
acquiring portion 42, and the notification processing portion 46.
In addition, the control portion 21 may not include the restriction
processing portion 47.
[0091] [Consumed Amount Recording Process]
[0092] In the following, with reference to FIG. 2, a description is
given of an example of the procedure of a consumed amount recording
process executed by the control portion 11 in the image forming
apparatus 10. Here, steps S11, S12, . . . represent numbers
assigned to the processing procedures (steps) executed by the
control portion 11. It is noted that the consumed amount recording
process is executed each time the print job is executed.
[0093] <Step S11>
[0094] First, in step S11, the control portion 11 acquires the
occupation information. Here, the process of step S11 is executed
by the occupation information acquiring portion 42 of the control
portion 11.
[0095] Specifically, the control portion 11 acquires, from the
second storage portion 25 of the information processing apparatus
20, a piece of user information corresponding to a user currently
logging in the image forming apparatus 10, and acquires the
occupation information included in the acquired piece of user
information.
[0096] <Step S12>
[0097] In step S12, the control portion 11 generates the log
data.
[0098] Specifically, the control portion 11 acquires a consumed
amount of the consumable consumed by the print job that has
triggered the execution of the consumed amount recording process,
and generates a piece of log data that includes the acquired
consumed amount of the consumable and the occupation information
acquired in step S11.
[0099] <Step S13>
[0100] In step S13, the control portion 11 stores the piece of log
data generated in step S12 in the first storage portion 24 of the
information processing apparatus 20. Here, the processes of steps
S12 and S13 are an example of a recording step of the present
disclosure, and are executed by the recording processing portion 43
of the control portion 11.
[0101] [Prediction Data Output Process]
[0102] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a description is given of an
example of the procedure of a prediction data output process
executed by the control portion 21 in the information processing
apparatus 20.
[0103] <Step S21>
[0104] First, in step S21, the control portion 21 determines
whether or not a predetermined output timing has come.
[0105] For example, the output timing is a timing that comes in a
predetermined period such as daily. It is noted that the output
timing may be a timing at which an output instruction of the
prediction data is input.
[0106] Here, upon determining that the output timing has come (Yes
side at S21), the control portion 21 moves the process to step S22.
In addition, upon determining that the output timing has not come
(No side at S21), the control portion 21 waits at step S21 for the
output timing to come.
[0107] <Step S22>
[0108] In step S22, the control portion 21 executes a determination
process to determine, based on the determination condition, whether
or not a predicted consumed amount of the consumable per the unit
time for the time period from the standard time to the current time
indicated by the prediction data output in the prediction data
output process executed immediately before; and a measured consumed
amount of the consumable per the unit time for the time period from
the standard time to the current time indicated by the log data
stored in the first storage portion 24, are similar to each
other.
[0109] <Step S23>
[0110] In step S23, the control portion 21 branches the process
according to the result of the determination process executed in
step S22. Here, the processes of steps S22 and S23 are executed by
the restriction processing portion 47 of the control portion
21.
[0111] Specifically, upon determining, in the determination
process, that the predicted consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for the time period from the standard time to the
current time and the measured consumed amount of the consumable per
the unit time for the time period from the standard time to the
current time, are dissimilar to each other (Yes side at S23), the
control portion 21 moves the process to step S24.
[0112] In addition, upon determining, in the determination process,
that the predicted consumed amount of the consumable per the unit
time for the time period from the standard time to the current time
and the measured consumed amount of the consumable per the unit
time for the time period from the standard time to the current
time, are similar to each other (No side at S23), the control
portion 21 moves the process to step S21. With this configuration,
it is possible to restrict the process of acquiring the prediction
data while the consumed amount of the consumable changes along the
prediction data output immediately before.
[0113] <Step S24>
[0114] In step S24, the control portion 21 acquires the prediction
data. Here, the process of steps S24 is an example of an
acquirement step of the present disclosure, and is executed by the
acquirement processing portion 44 of the control portion 21.
[0115] Specifically, the control portion 21 acquires the first
prediction data based on the first log data. In addition, the
control portion 21 acquires the second prediction data based on the
second log data. The control portion 21 then acquires the
prediction data by combining the acquired first prediction data and
second prediction data.
[0116] <Step S25>
[0117] In step S25, the control portion 21 outputs the prediction
data acquired in step S24. Here, the process of steps S25 is an
example of an output step of the present disclosure, and is
executed by the output processing portion 45 of the control portion
21.
[0118] Specifically, the control portion 21 transmits the
prediction data to the image forming apparatus 10.
[0119] Upon receiving the prediction data transmitted from the
information processing apparatus 20, the control portion 11 of the
image forming apparatus 10 identifies the shortage timing at which
the remaining amount of the consumable becomes equal to or lower
than the threshold, based on the remaining amount of the consumable
at the standard time and the received prediction data. The control
portion 11 then notifies the identified shortage timing. This
process is executed by the notification processing portion 46 of
the control portion 11.
[0120] With the above-described configuration, the image forming
system 100 acquires the prediction data that indicates a predicted
daily consumed amount of the consumable for a time period from the
current time, based on the comparison result between the first
record result X11 and the second record result X12 among the record
result of the daily consumed amount of the consumable, wherein the
first record result X11 corresponds to the first time period
extending to the reference time that is one year earlier than the
current time, and the second record result X12 corresponds to the
second time period extending to the current time. As a result,
compared with a configuration where, among the record result of the
daily consumed amount of the consumable, the record result for a
time period from the reference time is acquired as it is as the
prediction data, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy
of the consumed amount of the consumable.
[0121] It is noted that instead of the control portion 21 of the
information processing apparatus 20, the control portion 11 of the
image forming apparatus 10 may include the acquirement processing
portion 44, the output processing portion 45, and the restriction
processing portion 47. In addition, the image forming apparatus 10
may include the first storage portion 24 and the second storage
portion 25. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 is another
example of the image forming system of the present disclosure.
[0122] It is to be understood that the embodiments herein are
illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the disclosure
is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description
preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds
of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are
therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
* * * * *